FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sessions on food security and food safety will underscore the
theme of the 112th Ozark Food Processors Association annual convention and exposition, set for Oct.
17-18 at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Fayetteville.

The convention features educational sessions, an expo and an update on the food industry
from a legal perspective by Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural
Law Center, and a talk on integrating security technology by Brooke Leverett, safety
and asset protection for Walmart Stores. The law center is part of the University
of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

In addition, chefs from Tyson Foods and Firmenich will discuss global trends in street
foods and prepare a tasting for attendees.

Embedded with the annual convention on Thursday afternoon will be the 50th anniversary celebration of the Food Science Department, part of the Division of Agriculture
and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, featuring the
“Past Present and Perseverance,” an alumni spotlight and a reception.

“OFPA and the Food Science Department have a long history; as the mission of OFPA
has been to support the research and education efforts in Food Science,” said Renee
Threlfall, a research scientist for the Division of Agriculture and Bumpers College.
“Over the past 50 years, three Food Science faculty have led OFPA and the organization
has provided more than 500 scholarships to food science students and contributed financially
to constructing and equipping Food Science Department facilities.

Attendees for the conference may register online here: https://ofpa.uaex.edu. The cost is $125 per person before the conference, and $175 per person on-site.
There is no charge to attend the Food Science anniversary celebration.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen
agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption
of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative
Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work
within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas
System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal
access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to
participate or need materials in another format, please contact 479-575-4607 as soon
as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

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Media Contact: Mary HightowerDir. of Communication ServicesU of A System Division of AgricultureCooperative Extension Service(501) 671-2126mhightower@uaex.edu